Articles

What are Stove Heat Shields?

You may think your firebox is responsible for the warmth you feel from a fire, but other components help your stove to boost its heating capability and safety. Some of those parts are even required by law.

One such product is a heat shield. This article gives you a clear understanding of how a heat shield works, how to install one, and how to clean and maintain one to ensure you get the most from your stove.

What is a Stove Heat Shield

Stove heat shields are large, flat shields that convert radiant heat from the rear of your stove into convection heat. This helps you boost your stove's efficiency, but even more importantly, it protects the walls behind the stove from the intense radiant heat that could lead to fire damage.

The panels use heat-resistant materials such as metal, concrete, brick, stone, tile, or vitreous enamel that withstand high temperatures.

What Types of Units Use Stove Heat Shields?

If you have a fireplace and plan to install a wood stove into your chimney, you won't need a heat shield. Heat shields are used with freestanding stoves. In addition, some local rules and insurance carriers dictate specific requirements for heat shields.

You can use heat shields with all freestanding stoves, such as those by Jøtul, Vermont Castings, Hearthstone, Lopi, Morso, Harman, Lopi, Quadra-Fire, Enviro, and Englander.

What Types of Heat Shields are Available?

A heat shield comes in two types:

Wall Heat Shields

These shields require airflow between the shield and the rear wall with a space of at least 1 inch from the sides, top, and 2 inches from the bottom. This open space is integral; otherwise, the heat generated inside the stove can increase the threat of fire damage.

In some cases, an insulated chimney pipe heat shield can sit just outside of your stove pipe (for example, a 1" diameter distance from the outside edge of the pipe). This option allows you to move your stove pipe closer to the surrounding walls.

Stove Mounted Heat Shields:

These are designed by the stove manufacturer and come on the stoves.

Issues to Be Aware of With Stove Heat Shields

There are a few things to be aware of when using stove heat shields:

Fire risk – Incorrect installation can work against you by increasing the fire risk, so be sure to follow the wall distance and insulation rules and the guidelines of your shield manufacturer.

Weight – Effective heat shields require heavy-duty materials that stand up to the heat they're deflecting, which makes them difficult and time-consuming to install.

How to Install and Replace Heat Shields

Many stove companies recommend specific heat shields that come with installation instructions. Keep in mind your local insurance rules to ensure you have the right products and sizing for the job. That said, here is a basic guide to the process. (Be sure to buy enough heat shield to extend the entire firebox width and reaches 12" above the stove's top edge.)

Wall Heat Shields

Attach your frame to the wall using non-combustible frame materials and fixings, ensuring that it sits 1" from the walls and floor (or as dictated by the shield.) Often, 1" spacers come included. You must leave all four sides of the shield open.

How to Maintain Stove Heat Shields

For metal shields, the original color may not return after your cleaning, but that isn't an issue. You can, however, paint the shield if you like. Stove Bright makes good quality paints for the job.

In addition, air-cooled heat shields can experience some rattling, at which point you will need to reaffix it or replace the shield entirely.

A properly installed wall heat shield can reduce your stove's required clearance by up to 66%, but never below 12". The 12" is measured from the stove to the shield.

Your Heat Shield: A Powerful Tool for Added Warmth and Safety

Heat shields are not particularly expensive and can even add beauty to a room, so see this as an opportunity to make your home more cozy and inviting. As it reflects the surrounding warmth, you will feel even cozier.